EXODUS 17-20: DAY 121 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
May 1, 2023
EXODUS 17-20
DAY 121 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: Exodus 19:1-8
The Israelites continue to struggle with what is happening. They know they are in the presence of God. They know that God continues to provide for them. Yet, they continue to grumble and ask if God is really with them when they encounter any adversity.
Seek God’s understanding of Exodus 17-20. Read Exodus 17-20. Let’s journey!
Exodus 17-20: Today’s reading takes us through a period of time beginning with the Israelites wondering if they were going to die because they had no water. God provides water. God directs Moses to send Joshua to battle the Amalekites; Israel’s first recorded military encounter after leaving Egypt. Through God’s help, Joshua defeats the Amalekites. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, visits Moses, advising him of better ways to act as judge over the Israelites. Moses adopted Jethro’s advice, without seeking God’s will, even though Jethro advised Moses to do so. God meets Moses at Mt. Sinai. God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 17:1-20:26)
Our focus verse for today:
On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
(Exodus 19:1-8, NIV)
Have you ever gotten into a really big jam and someone offered you a way out with conditions attached? Did you consider the conditions, or were you so relieved to have momentary relief that you failed to thoroughly consider the conditions? All the Israelites had to do was obey God and His ways and they would receive the Promised Land and would live in harmony with God. Isn’t it true that we act very much as the Israelites did? Why do we who know God and have experienced His presence in our life continue to struggle with obedience to Him? Why?
Godspeace!
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